The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) specifies a container as  “empty” as long as it contains less than or equal to 3% by weight of its total capacity. 

To dispose of “empty” containers in the trash, they must meet the following criteria:

• Contain no radioactive materials (Contact Prospective Health at 744-2070)
• Contain no biological wastes (Contact Prospective Health at 744-2070) 
• Was not a container for acutely toxic chemicals.  The list of acutely toxic chemicals is available on the Environmental Health and Safety website. (Containers that have contained acutely toxic chemicals must be managed by EH&S)
• Has less than or equal to 3% by weight of its total capacity.
• All content in the container has been collected, recovered or used.  No content should be able to immediately spill out if held upside down.
• Non acutely toxic chemical containers should be triple rinsed 
• Labels on the containers for disposal should be removed or defaced and the container should be labeled “EMPTY”. 
• Containers for disposal are in the appropriate refuse area with lids removed. (Glass should be in the glass collection boxes, all others should be "double bagged" in a clear plastic garbage bag)

If you have any questions regarding disposal or collection of containers, please give us a call at 328-6166 or email us at safety@ecu.edu.